Information vs Advice: Why Personalised Pharmacy Care Still Matters

Healthcare has changed dramatically in recent years. Online clinics, digital questionnaires and remote prescribing services now offer fast access to treatment and health information. For many patients this feels convenient and accessible.

However, during a recent consultation in our weight management clinic at Murrays Chemist, a patient made a comment that captured the difference between online healthcare and personalised clinical support:

“Online services gave me information. Here, I felt like I was getting real advice.”

That distinction between information and advice is important when deciding what type of healthcare experience is right for you.

Information vs Advice – What’s the Real Difference?

Health Information

Health information is widely available through websites, apps and social media. It can include:

• General education about treatments

• Automated videos or digital handbooks

• Standardised lifestyle guidance

• Online assessment tools

Information helps patients understand what may be possible, but it is designed to work for large numbers of people at once. It cannot fully reflect your personal health history or evolving needs.

Personalised Clinical Advice

Advice comes from professional assessment and individual understanding.

At Murrays Chemist, our pharmacist-led consultations focus on:

• Your symptoms and health goals

• Previous treatments and medical history

• Monitoring where appropriate

• Lifestyle, stress and long-term wellbeing

Advice means tailoring recommendations responsibly rather than following a one-size-fits-all pathway.

Why Face-to-Face Services May Cost More Than Online Options

Patients sometimes ask why personalised clinics can differ in price compared to online providers. The difference often lies in how care is delivered.

Online services frequently rely on automated systems and standardised pathways. These can be suitable for certain patients, but they may not offer the same level of ongoing interaction or clinical continuity.

Our model focuses on:

• Individual consultations with an experienced prescribing pharmacist

• Clinical assessment and safety monitoring

• Time spent understanding your goals and expectations

• Follow-up support where needed

The aim is not simply access to treatment, but helping patients make informed and sustainable health decisions.

How Personalised Advice Shapes Our Clinics at Murrays Chemist

Every service we offer is built around individual assessment and responsible care.

Face-to-Face Weight Management Clinic in Harrow

Our pharmacist-led weight management consultations focus on safe prescribing, realistic expectations and long-term lifestyle change. Treatment options are discussed following assessment, ensuring they are suitable for each patient.

Hormone Health and TRT Assessment

Hormone health consultations include structured assessment and monitoring. Decisions are guided by clinical findings and patient wellbeing, ensuring treatment remains appropriate and responsible.

Private Prescribing and Walk-In Clinic

Patients attend for a wide range of health concerns including skin conditions, infections and general health advice. We prioritise clear communication and continuity of care rather than generic treatment pathways.

Travel Vaccinations and Travel Health Advice

Travel consultations look at your destination, itinerary and individual risks. Advice is provided in line with current travel health guidance to support safer journeys.

IV Vitamin Therapy and Wellness Support

IV vitamin treatments and wellness services are offered following clinical assessment. Patients receive balanced information to help them make informed decisions about their health.

Preventative Health and Well-Person Blood Testing

Our well-person monitoring services support patients who want a clearer understanding of their health markers. Results are reviewed alongside personalised advice, not simply handed over without context.

Responsible Healthcare in a Digital Age

Jaydev Varsani – Clinical PRescribing Pharmacist

Digital healthcare has made information more accessible than ever before, and that is a positive step forward. However, there is still value in speaking to a clinician who understands your journey over time.

Information helps you learn.
Advice helps you decide safely.

At Murrays Chemist, we aim to create a professional environment where patients feel supported, listened to and confident in their healthcare choices.

Looking for a Private Clinic in Harrow or North West London?

If you are researching services such as:

• Weight management consultations

• Hormone health and TRT assessment

• Travel vaccinations

• IV vitamin therapy

• Private pharmacist consultations

• Preventative health and blood testing

our team is here to help you explore your options responsibly.

Every consultation is centred around professional assessment and patient safety. Treatment is only offered when clinically appropriate.